In the sporting world, there is no denying just how much entertainment Premier League football provides. England’s top fight has it all, from world class operators on the pitch, to passionate supporters of it. Additionally, there are some formidable sides that look unstoppable when they’re in full flow, including Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Last season’s treble winners might’ve lost a few top talents in the shape of Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan, but they’ve replaced them with sufficient quality and are already looking like an unstoppable force at this early stage of the Premier League campaign. While defending their long-awaited European crown will also be firmly on the agenda this season, retaining the Premier League title for a record fourth successive season will be another prime objective. Pep Guardiola loves to make history and his immensely talented squad look more than capable of delivering yet another campaign of historical achievements.
While many fans might feel the landscape of England’s top competition looks a tad ominous for the future, there’s a reason why no side has ever lifted the Premier League trophy four times in row. It’s a huge ask. It won’t stop City fans from getting excited and people from backing the club in terms of betting, with odds of 4/11 still undoubtedly tempting many football supporters, but there is competition in the division and a few sides who could put an end to Manchester City’s record-breaking challenge. Even at these early stages, a number of sides are in the running for the title, although a team that contains the likes of Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bernardo Silva will be tough to stop over an entire season.
Liverpool are in the mix once again
A club that appears to be back in the title mix once again after dropping their standards last season, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have the weapons in attack to potentially challenge Manchester City this season. While a leaky defence could hinder their prospects as the season progresses, the Reds possess enough quality in forward areas of the pitch to cause serious problems to a number of sides this season. When Mohamed Salah isn’t on song, Jota can step up, while Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez are more than capable of putting a goalscoring run together. Throw in the acquisitions of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister in midfield – a vital area of the pitch – and Liverpool are looking dangerous again.
Arsenal will surely be right up there
After essentially choking at the crucial stages last season, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will be hungry to make up for it in the season ahead.
Alongside the potential determination to put things right following their title collapse last campaign, the Gunners have added in key areas, with the likes of Declan Rice providing some much-needed additional steel to an area of the pitch that certainly requires it. Alongside some defensive reinforcements in the shape of Jurrien Timber and David Raya, the Gunners are in good shape for another title tilt. If any side can stop Manchester City’s dominance, it could well be the North London giants.
Tottenham have massively improved under Postecoglou
(Image via https://twitter.com/TheSpursExpress)
When he isn’t giving fascinating interviews off the pitch, new Spurs boss, Ange Postecoglou, is implementing a refreshing style of play on it. Tottenham are a completely different animal under the Australian, with the former Celtic manager already managing to instil his attacking philosophy in these early stages of the new Premier League season.
Spurs might have lost Harry Kane’s output, but his goals have been replaced by a more well-rounded team that contains a number of players who are capable of chipping in with a few.
Son Heung-min has filled the void left by Kane up top, with the Korean star already bagging a few goals this season, while the inventiveness of James Maddison has enhanced Tottenham’s attack even further. A title push might come too soon for Spurs, but with Ange Postecoglou at the helm, it feels like anything is possible.
Brighton could be surprise challengers
Given their relatively modest budget compared to the mega-rich sides they’re coming up against, Brighton have been a breath of fresh air in a moneyed competition.
The Seagulls’ shrewd recruitment has resulted in a side that is bursting full of potential, already leading to sides like Chelsea and Liverpool poaching their star performers. Unlike many sides, though, Brighton have shown they can come again, with the clubs’ remarkable transfer approach unearthing gems from around Europe and adding to their free flowing style of play even further.
Leicester managed to win the Premier League against all the odds, and while Brighton don’t have the same defensive stability as the Foxes did, their attacking prowess makes them a potential surprise package this season. Alongside Manchester City, Roberto De Zerbi’s side are certainly a team to watch right now.